Wednesday, May 30, 2018

When Tragic News Comes

I heard some very sad news today.
A pastor was killed by a 
driver that ran a red light.
He was the caregiver for his 
wife after her brain surgery.
His son is scheduled to give the 
Valedictorian Address 
at his high school this Friday.
His daughter gets married
 in August this year.
His name was Tim Olson.
What are the words 
of comfort for this family?
This Congregation?
First Lutheran- Charlotte, Michigan.
The friends?

Anything I can think 
to say sounds empty...
trite even.
But, I can pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, 
God of all comfort,
be so very close to the 
Olson family at this time.
Reeling from the shock of such news-
unbelief floods the paths of heart and head.
Oh, Lord, there is no way 
we are ever, ever ready 
for such news in our lives.
Please give them peace in these hours,
bolster their strength to 
get through the upcoming days.
Find ways to shower comfort 
over the Olson family.
through the people that love them.
Shine HOPE.
Shine bright HOPE to filter 
into all the dark places 
that has been stripped of JOY.
In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.

"Our hope for you is unshaken, 
for we know that as 
you share in our sufferings, 
you will also share in our comfort."
1 Corinthians 1:7


4 comments:

  1. So much to endure for one family! Thank you for your prayer, which I prayed out loud just now.

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  2. My prayers are along with yours. How devastating this must be to the family. Praying God's goodness will just wrap arms of comfort around them now and in the coming months with milestones being achieved. Karen Field

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  3. Joining you in prayer, Connie. Lord have mercy.

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  4. I had read this when you first posted it - just made the connection that he was from Antigo. Continued prayers for his family during this most difficult time.

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